Australia Weather News

Canberrans don't need to go to the coast to enjoy the beach in summer.

Here are six top swimming spots where you can cool down on a hot day and relax on a sandy beach — all within 30 minutes' drive of the city centre.

"One of the great things about living in the bush capital is the fact that we have so much natural environment on our doorstep," said Brett McNamara, regional manager of ACT Parks and Conservation.

"The Murrumbidgee River is probably the pinnacle location to cool off on a hot summer day."

Kambah Pool

Only 20 minutes south from Canberra's city centre is Kambah Pool.

There are magnificent views of the Murrumbidgee River and plenty of swimming options within a short walk of the carparks.

Part of the northern section is even set aside for nude bathing (which is clearly signposted).

Ziggy Moleda and his family have been in Canberra for two years and enjoy meeting with friends for a picnic lunch at Kambah Pool.

"We like the water, sandy beaches, the natural environment and getting outside," he said.

"We enjoy meeting other Canberrans too."

Kambah Pool is located off Kambah Pool Road via Sulwood Drive in Kambah.

Uriarra Crossing

Uriarra Crossing is the place to take your four-legged friends.

It is the only swimming spot along the Murrumbidgee where dogs are allowed.

"We just ask people to be mindful and respectful of others; pick up any dog droppings and be mindful of interactions with other dogs," Mr McNamara said.

There are plenty of grassy areas in the shade for riverside picnicking.

Uriarra Crossing is accessed off the Uriarra Road, close to where Uriarra Road crosses the Murrumbidgee River, 25 minutes north-west of the city centre.

Pine Island

Two minutes from Tuggeranong town centre is Pine Island, one of Canberra's most popular swimming spots.

Year nine students Sean Russel and Byron Matheson enjoy hanging out at Pine Island with their friends and casting a line.

"There's some good swimming spots, a couple of rope swings and rocks you can jump off in the south and there's quiet spots you can fish too," Byron said.

Pine Island Reserve is located on Pine Island Road in Greenway.

Tharwa Sandwash

Heading further south in the Territory there are great swimming spots under Tharwa Bridge and at the Tharwa Sandwash.

"It's a little bit more secluded," Mr McNamara said.

"It's got some wonderful big deep holes and some sandy beaches as well."

There are also great picnic spots and has good access to launch a canoe.

Tharwa Sandwash is accessed off Smiths Road near Tharwa, 30 minutes south of the city centre.

Casuarina Sands

There are plenty of shady riverside beaches, a playground and barbecues at Casuarina Sands on the banks of the Murrumbidgee River.

"Casuarina Sands is another perennial favourite with generations of Canberrans," Mr McNamara said.

"Many, many years ago there even used to be a kiosk there."

The area has recently had an upgrade with new playground equipment and facilities.

Casuarina Sands is located off Cotter Road, 25 minutes west of Canberra city centre.

Cotter Bend

Just down the road from Casuarina Sands, below the enlarged Cotter Dam, is Cotter Bend.

There's a wide pool and sandy beach where Cotter River and Paddys River meet.

"It's always a popular spot during summer," Mr McNamara said.

"There are generations of Canberrans that have taken their youngsters down to the Cotter."

There are plenty of shady grassed areas for picnics and barbecues.

Cotter Bend is located on Cotter Road, 25 minutes west of the Canberra city centre.

And while it is fun to get out and splash in natural waterways, Mr McNamara wanted to remind swimmers that rivers were ever-changing.

"We've had a lot of rain at the end of winter; that favourite spot that you may have went to last year and thought, 'I can jump in there', may have changed.

"Always treat the rivers with utmost respect. They are dynamic, changing, powerful environments."